Leading by example

Leadership gurus recommend leading by example. Good advice! But here are a few situations when leading by example doesn’t work:

When you have to announce layoffs, break the news that bonuses are canceled or deliver other news that hits people “where they live,” appearing calm and unruffled only makes you look distant and uncaring, like you’re part of the problem.Better: Shift your emphasis to providing information. If cutting benefits, for example, make sure HR staff is ready to answer questions in breakout sessions. Or, if canceling bonuses, provide financial statements that explain the decision.

At such critical times, it’s not your example that counts, but how much information you can provide.

Tomorrow's Training:

Your employee handbook can be an invaluable organizational tool … or an employment lawsuit waiting to happen. And in recent years, Congress and state legislatures have been busy enacting laws that directly affect your employee handbook. If you haven't kept up, you could find yourself in court....Click here to find out more.